Program of Protection for Children and Other Vulnerable Persons
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Program of Protection for Children and Other Vulnerable Persons Conception Abbey February 28, 2017 2nd Edition OFFICE OF THE ABBOT April 22, 2020 Dear friends of Conception Abbey, As Christians living under the monastic Rule of Saint Benedict, the monks of Conception Abbey strongly condemn any abuse of persons — children, young persons, or adults — no matter where it occurs. Every person deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, and Conception Abbey is com- mitted to protecting every person served by the works and ministries of the Abbey. In common with other institutions of Consecrated Life, the monks of Conception Abbey are com- mitted to providing a safe and protective environment for children, young people and adults. We always strive to ensure such an environment. We share the anguish and sadness expressed by many over instances of sexual abuse of minors perpetrated by diocesan priests, religious priests, and reli- gious brothers and sisters. We know that those who have experienced the betrayal of sexual abuse have been deeply wounded, and the scars may last forever. We know that many in the Church who have looked to clergy and religious as servant leaders of the gospel have also experienced a great sense of loss and betrayal. Trust and confidence can be restored only over time, and with deliberate attention on the part of all to healing the pain while assuring a safe and healthy environment for those who work, serve, minister and worship in the Church. All members of the monastic community of Conception Abbey, as well as all employees, volunteers and seminarians, are required to adhere to the Abbey’s Program of Protection for Children and Oth- er Vulnerable Persons. This Program is in force throughout Conception Abbey and is published here for the information of our friends and other interested persons. Conception Abbey is committed to maintaining accreditation with Praesidium, a national leader in abuse risk management. Praesidium has joined with the Conference of Major Superiors of Men in the United States to create standards for screening, education, response and supervision within religious communities of men. After an audit of our Program of Protection and a thorough site visit, Praesidium has given Conception Ab- bey’s program full accreditation through August of 2024. The Program of Protection for Children and Other Vulnerable Persons is intended to help ensure a safe environment for children, adolescents and adults at Conception Abbey. Utilizing proper screen- ing of candidates, ongoing education of all current members, timely and pastoral response to any and all allegations, and proper supervision of all members, our Program of Protection fosters Catho- lic moral values and attitudes among monks, employees, volunteers and seminarians. If you are aware of present or past instances of abuse, we encourage you to report what you know to Br. Jacob Kubajak, O.S.B., our Program of Protection Coordinator at (660) 944-2988 or via email at [email protected]. We promise that we will respond quickly and appropriately. We are grateful for your friendship and prayerful support. May God’s grace guide us all and bring healing to those who have suffered the wounds of sexual, emotional or physical abuse. Sincerely in Christ, Right Rev. Benedict T. Neenan, O.S.B. Abbot-Chancellor P.O. Box 501 • Conception, MO 64433 • Phone: 660.944.3100 • Fax: 660.944.2829 • www.conceptionabbey.org I. Introduction The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recognized past failures on the part of Church leadership to ensure a safe environment in which children, young people and adults were protected from abuse by clergy and other Church personnel. By adopting the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the bishops pledged themselves to a program of protection in the future. The Preamble of the Charter reads: “We re-affirm our deep commitment to creating a safe environment within the Church for children and youth.” The monks of Conception Abbey make the same solemn promise. We strongly condemn any abuse of children, young people, and adults no matter where it occurs. Abuse is particularly heinous when the perpetrator is a member of the clergy or other Church personnel. Conception Abbey is committed to protect children, young people and adults in all the works and ministries undertaken in the name of Conception Abbey. All members of the monastic community of Conception Abbey and all employees, volunteers and seminarians must adhere to the Program of Protection for Children and Other Vulnerable Persons (2nd Edition) as described in this document. When official duties are carried out in another facility or under another institution’s direction and supervision, all members are also subject to that facility’s or institution’s policies and procedures. The Program of Protection for Children and Other Vulnerable Persons (2nd Edition) is intended to help ensure a safe environment for children, young people and adults at Conception Abbey and to foster Catholic moral values and attitudes among Abbey personnel and seminarians. All monks, employees, volunteers and seminarians are expected to understand the goals and requirements of this Program and to implement them completely in the performance of their duties. The conduct of monks, employees, volunteers and seminarians in both public and private can inspire and motivate people or scandalize and weaken their faith. All whose vocation and work is centered at Conception Abbey must be aware of this responsibility. The policies established in this Program of Protection for Children and Other Vulnerable Persons (2nd Edition) supersede any other policies of Conception Abbey on this subject but are not intended to supersede canon or civil law. The Program of Protection for Children and Other Vulnerable Persons (2nd Edition) was reviewed by the Abbot’s Council on February 28, 2017. The Program was approved by Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB on February 28, 2017, and its policies and procedures are now in force at Conception Abbey. The Abbot of Conception Abbey retains the right at all times to address matters pertaining to the policies established here on a case-by-case basis in order to respond to specific situations and issues which may arise, with due respect for canon and civil law and the goals of this Program of Protection for Children and Other Vulnerable Persons (2nd Edition). 2 II. Definitions Abuse of children, young people, and adults includes: sexual abuse (inappropriate sexual contact of any kind); physical abuse (any non-accidental physical injury); neglect (failure to provide needed food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision); emotional abuse (inflicting anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts). Monks of Conception Abbey are professed Benedictines of Conception Abbey or novices, postulants or aspirants for Conception Abbey. Employees are salaried and hourly employees of Conception Abbey; this policy covers employee behavior during the performance of work in any apostolate or department of Conception Abbey. Volunteers are those who assist in the works of Conception Abbey without remuneration; this policy covers behavior in a voluntary position in any apostolate or department of Conception Abbey. In this policy, the term “Abbey personnel” includes monks, employees, and volunteers of Conception Abbey. Seminarians are those enrolled in the formation program of Conception Seminary College; this policy covers behavior during the academic year and while ministering to minors and other vulnerable persons as part of the formation program of Conception Seminary College. Children are unmarried persons under the age of 18, considered minors in the State of Missouri. Some adults are considered uniquely vulnerable to abuse because of age, physical/mental disabilities, or being unable to protect him/herself, and are covered under this program. Other adults who take part in religious, education and pastoral care settings at Conception Abbey with Abbey personnel or seminarians may also be vulnerable because of their personal situation or life experience. Throughout this document, Abbot refers to the Abbot of Conception Abbey. All references assume that in the absence of the Abbot, the Prior of Conception Abbey has the necessary authority. A pastoral relationship is a relationship between a monk of Conception Abbey and any person to whom a monk provides pastoral care, including counseling, spiritual direction or guidance, and/or when the monk has heard a confession or received confidential or privileged information. Pastoral relationships may also be established by some employees or volunteers of Conception Abbey in their roles of service. Pastoral relationships and behavior are treated in a special section of this policy. Monks always represent Conception Abbey, even outside of pastoral relationships. However for monks who have familial and social relationships with other persons, some of the behaviors listed in III. C. 3. c. (p. 7) of this policy may be acceptable. Care should still be taken to be with minors (children of relatives, friends, and acquaintances) only in public settings and in the presence of other people (adults). 3 III. Code of Ethical Standards A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1. Leadership and integrity. Abbey personnel who are in positions of authority recognize that the authority of leadership comes from God as a gift for the good of the Church and should be carried out with integrity and good stewardship. Monks, employees, volunteers and seminarians are expected to be persons of honest and high moral standards. They should endeavor to lead by example. They are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible and conscientious manner, free from any deception or action that would be deemed improper. Leadership should be exercised through Gospel values of justice, mercy and compassion. The Benedictine values of community, mutual support, and care for all persons should be demonstrated by leaders at Conception Abbey. 2. Respect for others. Monks, employees, volunteers and seminarians respect the dignity, rights and worth of every person they encounter.